Ghostface Original Star the Actor Fears He Could Ruin the Series with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a massive family reunion. This latest installment signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the previous film. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that kept me up at night," Lillard admits.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallon Favorites

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from past films are set to return in this new outing, even though dying in previous installments. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first occasion since a brief cameo is a long-held wish, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I remember the phone call. I recall the pleasantries. I remember him asking. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he states. "Therefore I'm really proud to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the years since the 1996 movie was released, which made Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, for better or worse," he notes. "A character that is now represented in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"It's either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the movie's gonna work. I am unsure if people are eager to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Run High

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others return persists. Perhaps they live as manifestations in Sidney's mind, like a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are in some way still living in a strange communal situation. The chance of a self-referential narrative, inspired by earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will find out the truth when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.